"Radical" by David Platt

I have just read the first chapter of "Radical," and all I can say is WOW! David Platt really brings the message home by asking questions like: "Am I going to believe Jesus?" and "Am I going to obey Jesus?" Many people are concerned with building bigger and bigger churches, yet forget the true purpose of meeting together and worshiping Christ. As David points out on pg. 17, "...the central message of Christianity is actually about abandoning ourselves." I can't wait to read the rest of the book!

You can get a copy of  "The Radical Question" (the companion booklet for "Radical") by requesting it at:
www.WaterBrookMultnomah.com/RadicalQuestion You can also do what I did and download the first chapter of "Radical" by David Platt by visiting this site:
here.
There is also information at the book website:  www.RadicalTheBook.com

Come on! What are you waiting for??

"The Host" by Stephanie Meyer

"The Host" is an intriguing story of a human and an alien living in the same body. The aliens insidiously took over the Earth believing they could handle the humans who fought back. These thin, silvery beings called "Souls" want to think they are harmless, non-violent; but taking over a planet by inhabiting the bodies of its inhabitants without consent seems pretty harmful. The human survivors struggle to regain some footing and continue to live. They never thought humans could fight once the alien had taken over, but then they found Wanderer/Melanie. What would happen if the alien and the host became friends? fell in love? were accepted? The book answers those questions and more.

This reading was my second attempt at the book. The first time I tried, I couldn't get into the story. This time, however, I was captured by the characters and the story. It is a good read for those who like to stretch their imagination.  =)

"...the best preparation for holocaust is holiness." pg. 150

"Will the World End in 2012?" The title of this book is so appropriate for the times in which we live. All around us are books, articles, and happenings that speak about December 21, 2012 as the end of the world. Raymond Hundley deals with many topics including the Mayan calendar, the Hadron Collider, and the predicted future collision with Planet X. His style of writing immediately pulls the reader into each section by beginning with a short story followed closely by the meat of his research then drawn to a short conclusion. His list of sources is noted extensively at the end, making it easy to check him out.

I found this to be an interesting, easy-to-read book dealing with a subject seemingly on everyone's mind. I found it interesting to read about things like "Zetas," "Web Bots," and the "Hadron Collider." This book is written to Christians, but it is a good book to share with friends/relatives who are fearful of the future. I think it would make a great discussion book as well, and fits in church libraries. Are we ready to meet our end? Raymond Hundley closes asking us how we are prepared to face the end, then John 14: 1-3.

"The Giblin Guide to Writing Children's Books" by James Giblin

"The Giblin Guide to Writing Children's Books" takes the reader from the point of finding book ideas through that of submitting a finished book. James Giblin uses targeted chapters and helpful hints to inspire and encourage those who would write for children. He also includes a list of Suggested Reading at the back of the book, useful in taking he pulse of the market.

As an aspiring writer, I found this book full of wonderful tips to get me started on my way. There will also be pitfalls and problems to get through, but many are covered here. This is a book I will refer to over and over as I go through this writing process, hopefully finishing with a good product in hand!

Bible Man DVD - "Combating the Commandant of Confusion"

"Combating the Commandant of Confusion" is a DVD that deals with putting on the whole Armor of God and using "the most powerful weapon known to man." Here we find Bible Man and the Bible Adventure Team (Bible Girl, Cypher, and Melody) with an audience at the Bible Adventure Training Camp. The topic is "The Full Armor of God," and the audience is definitely involved. As they begin, UNICE (their computer) detects intruders. Bible Man and his team fight enemies with Scripture, but will that be enough to defeat "Chaos" and "The Commandant of Confusion?" How will they get into the Secret Weapon without instructions?

The video is enjoyable and gets the message out that we can't fight evil without God. I enjoyed seeing the "team" come out at the end and give an invitation to the audience. This is a video that will help children understand more about God's Word and their relationship to Him. It is one I will be sharing with my grandchildren.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"The Sugar Queen" by Sarah Addison Allen

"The Sugar Queen" is a wonderful story about the lives of three women: Josey, Della Lee, and Chloe. As the book progresses, you learn how their lives intersect and how much they need each other. Love, fear, danger, heartache, and hope are woven into the story, keeping the reading interesting. Some of the questions you will find answers to are: Will Josey ever find her true self? What happened to Della Lee? Will Chloe listen to the books? How do Adam, Jake, Rawley, and Julian affect the story?

I really enjoyed this book! The chapters are all named after candies which made it fun (although it had my sweet tooth going too!). The story is easy to read and the twists and turns kept me turning the pages. This is a great book for reading during a snowstorm, or while sitting by a stream on a summer day. Enjoy!